Wiveliscombe RFC is an English amateur rugby club that is based in the village of Winscombe. They currently play in Tribute Western Counties North following a level transfer from Tribute Western Counties West for the 2018-19 season. For a small Somerset village the club is large, with three senior teams, a veterans side and over 400 children registered to play at mini and junior level, as well as one of the most successful girls setups in the country with their U18s and U15s being reigning National Champions. A ladies side was formed and launched in 2017, and in 2018 joined the League competition. Founded in 1962, Winscombe Rugby Football Club is one of the newest clubs in the south-west of England. They play at the Winscombe War Memorial Recreation Ground, also known as the Rec.
History
The club was founded in 1962 by Dai Davies, Taff Watham, Pete Smart, J.A. Jacobs and C.W. Reid, initially with only one team. Originally the club played on Home Field, Woodborough Farm, now known as the Lynch Field, and would change upthe road in a lean-to building constructed behind what was then called the Woodborough Hotel. Only one wall of that building now remains, from the showers, and forms the lower wall of the car park behind the pub. The first game took place on 10 November 1963 against a representative XV from Clifton Rugby Football Club, with Winscombe winning by 26 to 12. The club's first try-scorer, Steve Bridges, eventually went on to become a long serving president, only retiring in 2010. A 2nd XV was added in 1963, and the 3rd XV played its first match in 1967. In 1968 the club moved to Winscombe War Memorial Ground, using a field leased from Sidcot School, now known as the Longfield pitches. They share the clubhouse with Winscombe cricket, hockey and football clubs. In 2000 the club bought land for two additional pitches, and in 2007 these were named the Blomfield Pitches, in memory of the club's late treasurer, George Blomfield, who had campaigned tirelessly to raise money for the purchase. Further development of the club's facilities continues, with the latest stage being the floodlighting of the main Longfield pitch.
The Club Motto is Friendship through Rugby, reflecting an ethos that is committed to inclusion and friendship rather than winning at all costs. The 3rd XV have adopted a number of secondary mottos, initially Usque ad Mortem Bibendum, then Deorsum Undique, and most recently, Every week I spend 80 minutes with a 57-year-old hooker. The Vets are similarly motto-ed quoting “aevum etiam subolesco haud” - Age Yes, Maturity No
Team Colours
When founded the team played in an all-black strip, and was known as the Somerset All-Blacks, at least by their own players.
Current Senior Teams
The number of teams fielded by the club at senior level has fluctuated between two and four, although most recently there have been consistent 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs. In season 2007-8 the club's 2nd XV entered the Somerset league system, followed by the 3rd XV in 2008-9. For the 2010-11 season, the club will field a 1st XV in Somerset Premier, and a 2nd XV in Somerset 2 North. Due to the advancing age profile of the 3rd XV they have been reconstituted as a Veterans XV and now only play friendly matches, on request.
The Mini and Junior section of the club was formed in 1981 by club stalwart Dave Howells and is now one of the largest Mini and Junior rugby sections in the south-west of England, with over 400 players registered. Players can start from Under 6, where although they are not permitted to play matches by RFU regulations, they are taught the basics of the game in a fun and friendly environment. The club fields teams at every age group from Under 6 to Under 17, and Colts.
Recently formed under the guidance of Gareth Waterfield, Winscombe now boast a thriving female rugby section . With teams at U18, U15 and U13 level. Although only formed in 2013 they now have a great number of players and have had players selected for representative and county rugby. The team were 2013 - 14 season South West Champions in their inaugural season and have now progressed to National Champions at U15 and U18 levels. New players are always welcome and the teams train on Wednesday evenings playing over the weekends and sometimes under floodlights during the week against clubs as far afield as Cardiff and Exeter.
